Free Digital Issue

Help Open Climbing in Hawaii

Due to liability issues related to hiking deaths in 2012, the State of Hawaii closed access to many hiking and climbing areas. Hawaii climbers have a chance to re-open climbing access on state lands in Oahu, but they need help. Senate Bill 1007 (HD1) was created in collaboration with climbers, outdoor enthusiasts and the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office to re-open many closed sites and prevent future closures on public land. It would also protect the state from non-natural hazards, like worn bolts at crags for instance. This bill won’t eliminate the State’s responsibilities to maintain trails and post signs to warn of possible hazards, but it will curb its responsibilities of keeping climbers and hikers safe.

According to the Access Fund, the Hawaii Attorney General’s office stated that this legislation must pass if they are to reopen closed areas and prevent additional closures. To help ensure that this bill passes, visit the Legislature’s website and submit testimony for the bill and/or sign an online petition at change.org. The deadline for testimony submissions is this Thursday, January 30. If you are a resident of Hawaii, attend the bill’s hearing in Oahu on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in room #325 inside the Capitol.